Central to Eastern Montana Fishing Report 11.14.18By angelamontana

Posted: November 15, 2018

Autumn is here and that means sudden changes in weather and water conditions. Outdoor enthusiasts including fishermen need to pay attention to these changes. Storms can happen quickly so fishermen or fisherwomen need to keep in touch with the weather service. The fire season is still on us so it means we all need to be alert to be alerts and conditions. Enjoy yourself but remember alcohol alters your judgment. So use it sparingly while enjoying the outdoors. Keep an eye on the weather as conditions such as temperature, wind, fire and precipitation can come in with fierce strength. This report is compiled on Monday and Tuesday and reflects conditions and results of fishing from the past week. If you wish other information feel­­ free to contact most parties for current daily information. Good luck fishing from the Montana Outdoor Radio Crew.

(report compiled by Carol Henckel)

I have been told that the water is open at Rock Creek all the way to the Dry Arm hunters have said. The water temperature is 46 to 48 degrees and there is no ice forming at this time. Hunters have been to Rock Creek but no fishermen have been seen by the hunters there.

Due to a health emergency there is no report from staff.

“We have closed the Marina as of October 1st. We still have limited services. Linda and Neal will still be at Rock Creek. We still have cabins for rent. Call this number 1-406-230-1283 . The Marina number will probably not bring much result. With the other number Linda or Neal will help you. If you call and come up we can provide food. Speak to Linda about that. The fuel docks are pulled but we do have fuel by the Marina should you need it. “Monty says.

Tongue River Reservoir Raymond /Spencer/ Greg

Spencer says, “We have not seen anyone fishing this week. We are pulling the courtesy docks this week. The weather was cold and unlike others we just got a dusting of snow. The South end has a bit of ice forming but in no way is it safe. With the prediction of 55 degree temperature s in the next day or two that bit of ice will probably leave. ”

There are no reservations needed for camp sites it is now first come first take. Everything is shut down like the electricity and water. The cleaning station has been closed. There are sites still open at Campers Point #1 to 11 and have electric hookups on year round. “ .

Wade says, “Only a couple of bait fishermen from shore have tried fishing my friends tell me. There is some ice firming up on the edges but they say it will get to 55 degrees so that ice slush will be gone. ”

We have now closed the Marina until there is a need during ice fishing season. We are now closed

Clint says,” You can catch some northern pike. They are still biting. If it is sunny use a spoon. Last week they were at 14 to 18 feet depths. If it is sunny they move to 6 to 10 feet depths. Use cranks then. We are not seeing fishermen mostly hunters. “

One of the Staff yesterday said,”Not many guys pulling fish out but that could be because they haven’t put a hook in the water.”

Carrie says, “We have no ice here just cold temperatures and wind. The guys that were snagging salmon say that is done on the lake. We have had only a few caught in the bay. Lake trout fishing has been good. They are finding them at 15 feet. Use cranks or spoons. No word on any walleye caught. ”

We do have minnows, suckers, fatheads, Smelt, night crawlers, hooks, floaters, full suckers, wax and meal worms and white and pink maggots here for the guys to use. Our hours are 7am-6 pm Monday through Sunday. ”

Cooney Reservoir – Marina Matheson. Shauni, Cynthia

Aaron reports, “I have not seen any boats out. The water is low and still dropping. There is some ice starting to form at Fisherman Creek but if we get the warm temperatures they say it will be gone.”

The fish cleaning station is still open but I hear not much activity there. . The campground is now first come first serve now as the reservation system is done taking them for the season. The boat ramps are out. The Marshall Cove campground is now open. The drinking water has been shut down for the winter. Our electric is on year around. The North shore campground is now closed.

Lake Elmo FWP Bob Gibson

Not many people on the water this week. With the wind the ducks and geese are the only ones willing to go out. The lake level is still full.

Deadmans Tony Stefani/ Pat

There has been no one braving the wind this week. It just has not been nice to get out this week,” Pat tells us.

Deadmans/Martinsdale Cozy Corner Bar Lavina 406-636-22

Terry says, “I haven’t sold any worms and no one is even thing of going out because of the weather.”

Our hours are 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 10 am to 4pm on Sunday.”

Colby reports, “We have 6 to 8 inches of snow on the ground since Friday and Saturday. Not many fishermen out. The only place I know that guys are going out is on the Missouri. They are catching some. A few walleye and sauger are being caught. ”

Carri explains,” Wind keeps it pretty cold for fishing. One group went fishing on Saturday. One fellow caught a 10# 11 ounce walleye 33 inches long. It was the oy fish caught. On Sunday there was ice forming in the bay. That meant no fishing. The water temperature was 33 degrees. On Tuesday the father convinced the son to try and break through the ice in the Bay and they did. They got as far as Anderson Point and were forced to turn around. Our docks are still in.”

Carrie explains, “Some people have said they have trouble getting us. This is our time to get things done outside before winter hits so we may not be sitting next to the phone. Please leave a message as we will call you back. We will make sure you hear from us. ”

Silos Canyon Ferry-Sharon

It has been pretty cloudy. I just had the first fisherman come in 4 days just now. It really has been too cold. We had 3o degree temperatures. When it starts out the day at 8 degrees who wants to head out to fish. We just are in between seasons. Call if you want to know how conditions are.”

Jim reports,” On Nelson I have not heard of much fishing. I heard the West end is starting to freeze. Right now I think Nelson has slowed down some with the cold. “

Stop by the store. We do have minnows here if you need them.

Shop hours are 8 to 6 Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday.

Billings-Scheels Jayce, Tanner, Matt

Jayce reports, “On the Yellowstone around Forsyte and Hysham guys were still catching sauger, and walleye. They are saying it has slowed down. They are using jigs with minnows.

Snagging for salmon I hear is slowing way down at the dam. People are saying the fishing for lake trout is still happening at Fort Peck dam. It is decent fishing. ”

Rich’s Tackle Richard 406-285-4540

Rich says,” I talked to someone who went to Harrison Lak and he said salmon, brown trout and rainbows were being caught. Every once in a while a walleye has caught. I heard nothing from people about Canyon Ferry. The weather has slowed down going out and fishing.”

Chris says, “It has been pretty quiet for fishing. On the Yellowstone things are about the same. It is fishing okay if you want to fish in the cold weather. Use fall patterns and small streamers. There is a caddis hatch midafternoon.

The Stillwater is still low. Anyone going to the Stillwater is wading or walking to fish.”

Beau says,” I did not fish this week. I heard people on the Missouri have been getting some fish. Nymph fishing had been working. Try a Zebra midge. The water is crystal clear. “

Big Horn Trout Shop Fort Smith 666-2375

Rick says,” the water seems to be warming up. You don’t need to come early, come after 9 or 10. A few guys have said nymphing is a little better especially out of the boat. People are having good success. Now, not Steller but decent. On the top three use an 18 BWO. Use some dry flies. Use the gray rays, tan rays and baetes patterns. If it is warm you see a short hatch as well. The browns are moving toward the red and gravel so stay off of that area. ”